The Late Show Pod Show with Stephen Colbert

Episode: Stephen Presents: Jennifer Garner
Date: October 9, 2025
Guest: Jennifer Garner

Episode Overview

In this charming and nostalgic episode, Stephen Colbert welcomes acclaimed actor Jennifer Garner to reminisce about their early days in New York, her time as his family’s babysitter, her meteoric rise in Hollywood, and her latest film, Wakefield. The conversation is peppered with warmth, playful banter, and behind-the-scenes tales, creating an intimate portrait of both the guest and the host’s long-standing friendship.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Stephen & Jennifer’s Personal History

• The duo’s connection dates back to the late ‘90s when both were struggling actors in New York, guest-starring on Spin City.
• Jennifer briefly babysat Stephen’s daughter, Madeline, during her early days before fame.
  • [07:40] Stephen: “Jennifer Garner was briefly our babysitter… She was springtime itself. She still is...”

2. Life Before Hollywood Success

• Jennifer shares her life in New York, juggling restaurant work, acting gigs, and babysitting.
• She remembers her time fondly and recounts working at Isabella, a restaurant that just recently closed.
  • [15:19] Jennifer: “Isabella is where I was a hostess 20 some years ago. Just closed two days ago... I’m having a rough time. I just missed it.”

3. Early Acting Days & Spin City Memories

• Both recall their brief roles on Spin City, joking about their few lines and wrap parties funded by network budgets.
  • [10:52] Jennifer: “I had maybe 10 lines in the episode. And you had two. Two. Right here, baby.”
• Jennifer discusses trading off babysitting with her roommate and takes joy in how those early, humble days shaped her.

4. Transition to Hollywood & Breakout with Alias

• After getting a new agent, Jennifer moved to LA—an intimidating transition. Stephen and his wife doubted if LA would be a fit, only to see her become a star.
  • [12:00] Jennifer: “I just remember your gorgeous little girl. She was such a peanut. She was really smart...”
  • [13:11] Stephen: “A few years pass... and there, eight stories on the side of a building on 42nd street, is you in Alias...”
• She reflects on the transformative moment her life took off after being cast in Alias.
  • [13:22] Jennifer: “Imagine, like, that moment when things shift for you like that, when you go from babysitting and struggling to all of a sudden being... That was really fun.”

5. Babysitting Anecdotes & Playful Banter

• Lighthearted discussion about whether Stephen still owes Jennifer babysitting money, recalling Oreos as the barter currency.
  • [14:40] Jennifer: “The last time I babysat for you, you said, 'Can I get you next time?'”
  • [15:07] Jennifer: “I think you just let me eat your Oreos and things...”
• They joke about how Stephen couldn’t possibly have commented on the babysitter’s looks to his wife at the time.

6. Rescue Dog Rescue & Puppy Day at The Late Show

• Becca and Stephen discuss the “Puppy Day” joy among staff when rescue dogs come to the set.
  • [05:18] Becca: “We’ve had many staff member pups over the years… But what you might not know is… we all go down and play with them and cuddle with them…”
  • [06:27] Becca: “Over 200 dogs adopted on the show. Isn’t that so nice?”
• Stephen recounts his dog Benny’s jealousy when he returns from holding other puppies.

7. Jennifer’s Reputation in Hollywood

• Stephen praises Jennifer for her enduring kindness and likability—“the most likable person in Hollywood.”
• He requests a tongue-in-cheek on-air endorsement, which Jennifer gamely provides.
  • [16:15] Jennifer (mock ad): “Stephen Colbert is someone that you can have faith in to bring you evening entertainment that you will laugh at, learn from, and enjoy…”

8. About Wakefield — Jennifer’s Latest Film

• Jennifer explains the complex, emotional premise: Bryan Cranston’s character, Howard, hides in his attic, observing his family, while Jennifer’s character, Diana, is unaware.
  • [17:19] Jennifer: “He’s so amazing, but basically he’s a guy who works in the city, lives in Connecticut… can’t bear to walk into my house again… lives up there for a year… you only see us through his point of view…”
• They perform a dramatic excerpt from the film, showcasing Jennifer’s range and the movie’s intensity.
  • [18:32] Jennifer (as Diana): “You have muzzled me to the point where I can’t carry on a conversation with other parents... All I want is to get through the day."

9. Building On-Screen Intimacy with Bryan Cranston

• Jennifer details an unusual method used to quickly build on-screen chemistry: prolonged eye-contact, physical exercises, and even sniffing each other.
  • [19:23] Jennifer: “We had to stand and stare into each other’s eyes for a long time... sit on the floor back to back... then she had him remove my socks and look at my feet… then sniff each other.”
  • [20:41] Jennifer: “I smelled Ivory soap… He smelled delightful.”

10. Parting Words & Their Ongoing Connection

• Stephen offers to return the babysitting favor. Jennifer jokes about having “17 children.”
  • [20:58] Jennifer: “17 children. That’s what I feel like.”

Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments (with Timestamps)

• On Jennifer as a Babysitter:

  • “Jennifer Garner was briefly our babysitter when I met her…” — Stephen Colbert [07:40]

• On the Early Days in New York:

  • “I had maybe 10 lines in the episode. And you had two. Two. Right here, baby.” — Jennifer Garner [10:52]

• Stephen's Reaction to Her Breakout:

  • “There, eight stories on the side of a building...is you in Alias in the Sydney Barstow in a red wig...pretty much drove up on the sidewalk.” — Stephen Colbert [13:11]

• Jennifer Endorses The Late Show:

  • “Stephen Colbert is someone that you can have faith in to bring you evening entertainment that you will laugh at, learn from, and enjoy...” — Jennifer Garner [16:15]

• On Building Intimacy for Wakefield:

  • “We had to stand and stare into each other’s eyes for a long time... sit on the floor back to back... then she had him remove my socks and look at my feet… then sniff each other.” — Jennifer Garner [19:23]

• On Bryan Cranston’s Scent:

  • “I smelled Ivory soap. He smelled delightful.” — Jennifer Garner [20:41]

• Parting Joke:

  • “17 children. That’s what I feel like.” — Jennifer Garner [20:58]

Important Segment Timestamps

• Stephen & Jennifer reminisce about Spin City and babysitting: [10:11–11:54]
• Jennifer’s move to LA and becoming a star: [12:00–13:22]
• Recounting the breakthrough with Alias: [13:11–13:37]
• Babysitting pay and barter jokes: [14:40–15:14]
• Jennifer returns to New York and lost restaurants: [15:17–15:40]
• Jennifer’s on-air endorsement: [16:15]
• Discussion of Wakefield & dramatic scene: [16:57–19:04]
• Intimacy exercises with Bryan Cranston: [19:13–20:41]
• Playful farewell exchange: [20:54–21:07]

Episode Tone

The episode blends warmth, nostalgia, and humor, reflecting the genuine affection and camaraderie between Colbert and Garner. Fans of both personalities and listeners new to their story will find it a heartening look at the unpredictability of show business, the power of kindness, and the enduring bonds formed on the way up.